ICUU

Faithful International Partnering – Proceeding Carefully and Intentionally

 

A Memo: Connecting with Unitarians and UU’s Around the World, CAREFULLY

To: UUA Ministers and Religious Leaders

From:  Eric Cherry, UUA International Office
Cathy Cordes, UU Partner Church Council
Jill McAllister and Steve Dick, International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

Date: September 14, 2012

Dear Friends,

It is so exciting to see the many ways that our UU faith is connecting around the world – so many congregations and ministers are now making a variety of international connections! We are thrilled that UUA churches and individuals are looking beyond their own doors and even beyond their own geographic communities and connecting. The UUA, ICUU, the UUPCC and other organizations stand ready to support your outreach in a variety of ways. We invite you to contact us at any point where we can be helpful. We are writing today to offer some advice based on our joint experience working with UUs here and in other countries.

Much of this new activity is aided with new communication tools that make contact easier and keeping in touch possible. Social media programs such as Skype and Facebook make it easy to learn of possibilities and to meet people over the internet.

Our UU global community is growing both bigger and smaller! Bigger in the sense that people around the world continue to discover our liberal tradition and establish it in their own countries and regions, and smaller in the sense that it is so easy to connect with each other around the world. This gives us reason to both celebrate and pay close attention, for there are good ways to connect, not-so-good ways to connect, and ways to connect which can cause huge problems. (more…)

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UU Church of the Philippines welcomes ICUU member groups

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The biennial Council meeting of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) began on Tuesday night in Dumaguete City, The Philippines. This is the first time in the 15 years of ICUU’s existence that the Council meeting has taken place outside of Europe or North America. And, it has been a uniquely powerful gathering for all of us. The UU church of the Philippines has been a fantastic host, and we all feel grateful for the long hours spent planning for the arrival of the international UU community.

Unitarians and UUs are here from many countries, including: Australia, Romania, Germany, Mexico, India, the Czech Republic, Uganda, Hungary, Burundi, Denmark, Norway, Kenya, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and South Africa. And, perhaps the most exciting development during Wednesday’s business meeting was the formal welcoming of two Full Member groups: The Assembly of Unitarian Christians of Burundi and the NPB – A Dutch liberal religious movement.

Each day we also gather for worship led by leaders of various member groups, and “Chalice Circles” bring diverse people together to share in theological reflection and build global friendships.

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The first major speech was delivered by the Dean of the Divinity School at Silliman University – here in Dumaguete City. Dr. Muriel Montenegro shared a message entitled “Reclaiming the Erotic” which recommended the pursuit of an “embodied” religion that can confront injustice with power. Dr. Montenegro has a long association with UUism through her theological training at Union Theological School in New York City. Her ultimate message was one of resilience, and she urged UU’s to “keep on the path” of justice-seeking faith. Following her presentation small-group discussions were held to discover whether the global UU community is ready to embrace a shared voice on one or more social justice issues. This is the first time that ICUU has raised that possibility, and it will be interesting to see where that discussion leads us.

While Monday’s earthquake is very much on our minds, we are finding it to be a great joy to be together for this special gathering.

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Philippines Earthquake Update

Rev. Eric Cherry, Director of the International Office at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), is currently in the Philippines attending a bi-annual Council meeting with the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU). The ICUU fosters connections between Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist groups around the world and is comprised of delegates appointed by national bodies that meet in full Council meetings every two years. The UUA is the largest member group of the ICUU.

Rev. Nihal Attanayake
Rev. Nihal Attanayake

Rev. Nihal Attanayake and I are sitting down after the opening ceremonies of the ICUU Council meeting in Dumaguette City. Just as we began writing, Nihal noticed another “aftershock” related to yesterday’s 6.9 Earthquake that was centered 70 km north of here.

It is an ironic twist that yesterday’s tragic earthquake occured just as this joyous biennial gathering was set to begin. We are fortunate that the earthquake has not prevented the ICUU event from beginning. But, it has clearly had a deep impact on many people, especially in rural areas of Negros Island.

For example, in terms of casualties, 40-50 people have lost their lives due to landslides caused by the earthquake in the Tayasan Jimalaluand, and Guihulngan areas of the island. And, bridges and roads have been damaged, interfering with rescue efforts and transportation. Food, water and other supplies are being delivered to affected communities by boat and helicopter. And our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is suffering through this difficult time.

The UU congregations on Negros Island number 28. And, we are relieved to know that none of them have been dramatically affected by the disaster. But, some of the leaders have been unable to come to Dumaguette City because of severe damage to the road system. The UU Church of the Philippines (UUCP) headquarters staff will keep in touch with leaders around the island in the days ahead to be sure that all is well in the UU congregations.

The UUCP asks the global U/U community to hold the people of Negros Island in their hearts during this difficult time.

Philippines
Negros Island, in the Philippines, is outlined in red above.

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Transylvanian Unitarians Celebrate the Proclamation of the Act on Religious Freedom

Please enjoy this exciting news from the Transylvania Unitarian Church:

On January 13, 2012 the Consistory of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church honors the 444th anniversary of the proclamation of the first law on freedom of belief and conscience, and religious tolerance. In January 1568, King Janos Zsigmond and his court preacher, David Ferenc had the Diet of Transylvania pass, at its session held in Torda, the Patent of Toleration, which stated:

In every place the preachers shall preach and explain the gospel each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation like it, well; if not, no one shall compel them but they shall keep the preachers whose doctrine they approve. Therefore none of the Superintendents or others shall annoy or abuse the preachers on account of their religion, according to the previous constitutions, or allow any to be imprisoned or be punished by removal from his post on account of his teaching, for faith is the gift of God, this comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The celebrations start in the morning in the Unitarian church of Torda with a worship service that includes a history lecture on the importance of the Act on Religious Freedom. Then, the congregation will walk over to the National Museum of Torda which was reopened in fall 2011 after many long years of restoration. The purpose of visit is to salute the new exhibition of the famous painting on the 1568 event, which was also restored over the past decade. The painting entitled The Proclamation of the Act on Religious Freedom at the 1568 Session of the Transylvanian Diet was painted by Aladár Körösfői Kriesch in 1896.

The celebrations will continue with an evening worship service in the Unitarian church of Kolozsvár, and a concert featuring the children’s choir of the Unitarian High School. The day will be closed with a reception at the residence of the Unitarian bishops, built in the 15th century, currently expecting the launching of a major restoration work.

The Consistory of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church thankfully acknowledges the contribution of the Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist international community to urging the completion of the restoration works at the museum in Torda. Among other things, it was due to the international campaign lead in 2009 and 2010 by the International Council of the Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU), the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) and the International Relations Office of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) that the renovation works were speed up, and eventually finished. This way, the painting, a symbol of the struggle of our liberal faith for the recognition of the religious freedom, became accessible again for the public.

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International U-U Leaders Visit Boston

It was an honor for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to host an International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) Tent Summit for the 5 largest U/U groups around the world in Boston from  November 6-10, 2011.  Present for the meeting were representatives from:

Canadian Unitarian Council
Jennifer Dickson (Executive Director)
Dr Gary Groot (Board President)
Ariel Hunt-Brondwin (Youth and Young Adult Programmer)

Unitarian Union of NE India
Rev Pearl Green Marbaniang (Ass’t General Secretary)
Rev Nangroi Suting (General Secretary)

Unitarian Church of Transylvania
Rev Ferenc Bálint Benczédi (Bishop)
Rev Dávid Gyerő (Counselor to the Bishop)
Rev Istvan Kovacs (Minister, Sepsiszentgyorgy)

General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (UK)
Derek McAuley (Chief Officer)
Rev David Usher (London District Minister)
Rev Martin Whitell (Convener of the Board)

Unitarian Universalist Association (USA)
Rev Eric Cherry (International Office Director)
Rev Peter Morales (President)
Rev Vail Weller (Special Ass’t to the President for Major Gifts)

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Rev Steve Dick (Executive Secretary)
Rev Brian Kiely (President)
Rev Jill McAllister (Program Coordinator)

The Tent Summit gave the leaders from these groups an opportunity to talk about collaborative opportunities and priorities they hold for ICUU.  There was agreement that ICUU has an essential role in providing a voice for the global U/U community in describing”best practices” and “guidelines” for the international engagement of its member groups.  And, that ICUU’s role as a first point of contact for nascent U/U groups interested in being a part of the global U/U community is equally essential.  The ongoing work of providing consultation and training to “emerging” groups of Unitarians and Universalists was clearly equally valued by the Summit Meeting participants, and we reiterated to ICUU that we are all committed to provide expertise to ICUU as it pursues that work.  Other concepts that were discussed include supporting the establishment of regional training centers for U/U communities around the world, cataloging resources, and collaborating to provide “mentoring” relationships with emerging U/U groups.

In addition to the discussions, the leaders enjoyed having the chance to spend time getting to know each other informally, and to worship together.  On Monday, November 7, Rev. Peter Morales hosted a reception for the guests at 25 Beacon St., and formally welcomed them to the UUA.

Please enjoy a few photos from the Tent Summit!

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International Presence at General Assembly 2011

The 50th anniversary of the UUA’s General Assembly was a hub of activity on the international front.

With guests from over ten countries in attendance and numerous events, workshops, and celebrations, this year’s proceedings were particularly historic.

Drawing over 4,000 attendees, this year’s annual gathering lent itself to a deep sense of interconnectedness and high visibility of our international partners.  (more…)

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Global UU Ministers Meeting and Theological Symposium

In mid-July the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) concluded two deeply inspiring global conferences in Kerkrade, Holland.

Rev. Mark Kiyimba (Uganda), and Rev. Adi Matimoju (Nigeria)

The first conference brought together more than 60 Unitarian, Unitarian Universalist, and liberal Christian ministers from 15 countries to build collegial relationships and reflect on the subjects of “ministerial calling” and “vocation”.

I came away from this gathering deeply inspired by the variety of ministries that Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists are offering to their communities and the world. But most importantly I think we all shared a sense of deep commitment to each other and a vision of growing mutual support.

The future of Unitarian/Universalist global ministry, and the ties that bind our ministers together, was the sub-text of this gathering. And, our time together strongly suggests that our future will be deeply dynamic, and deeply shared.

Rev. Paul Rasor (USA)

The second conference brought together a similar number of people to consider the topic, Belonging: Our Unitarian Identities and the Nature of our Relations.

Scholarly presentations were offered on a variety of related subjects, with especially rich reflections on the meaning of “covenant” in a global context. With the help of well researched papers, and excellent presentations, we explored the etymology, history, cultural-meaning, and contextual quality of “covenant” and “belonging”. Underneath the discussions was a clear sense that we all DO belong to each other, and that there is a sacred aspect to how we belong to each other. But, the terminology, content, and accountability of that “belonging” became increasingly complex.

In between the presentations at both conferences attendees gathered for worship, chalice circles, sightseeing, informal conversation, and plain-old fun. While international gatherings of U/Us are not so uncommon any longer, attendees seemed to agree that these two conferences were especially significant for their timeliness and the depth of relationship that they created. Many thanks to ICUU for a spectacular job!

Rev. Brian Keily – ICUU President and Minister of the Unitarian Church of Edmonton has blogged extensively about the conferences. And, publications with detailed presentations will also be available.

Photos from ICUU Ministers and Theology Conferences, 2010

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UUA President in Transylvania for ICUU meeting

UUA President, the Reverend Peter Morales, traveled to Kolozsvar, Transylvania for the biannual Council Meeting of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists – ICUU from August 31 – September 7, 2009.

During his visit he met with leaders of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist national groups from around the world. The Council Meeting event consists of worship services, workshops, business meetings, and includes reports from each member group. During the reports we’ve heard about the highs and lows over the past two years for each of the member groups. Many of their stories have been inspirational – including the report of the Unitarian Christians of Indonesia who are making plans to start a seminary and the UUs of Hong Kong who were welcomed as an ICUU “emerging group” this year.

Achievements of member groups ranged from increased Administrative capacities (structural, strategic planning), Training and Development (professional leadership, education of new leaders, relationship building, worship materials, religious education expansion), new Activities (retreats, camps, economic projects, social justice, sabbatical exchanges). Strengths and Skills that were mentioned included Cooperative efforts, Commitment and Focus, Financial Stewardship, Multi-generational involvement, and Enthusiasm in the face of change.

The Issues and Concerns that were mentioned mirrored the achievements, including Membership concerns (high average age, instability, decreased members, growth efforts struggle), Financial concerns (diminishing resources, restrained budgets, international economic instability), and Structural concerns (admnistration, leadership).

But, the Hopes and Dreams that were described were especially inspiring. Ideas ranged from establishing international service/learning programs for yough, creating a seminary/training institution, developing published worship materials, expaning congregational commitment to ICUU, leveraging cooperation between member groups, increasing public witness and social action projects.

In attendance at the meeting were leaders from the following member groups:

  • Australia and New Zealand UU Association
  • General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (UK)
  • Canadian Unitarian Council
  • Religious Society of Czech Unitarians
  • European Unitarian Universalists
  • UU Society of Finland
  • Deutscher Unitarier Religionsgemeinschaft (Germany)
  • Unitarian Church of Hungary
  • Jemaat Allah Global Indonesia – Indonesia Global Church of God (Unitarian)
  • Unitarian Union of NE India
  • UU Church of the Philippines
  • Unitarian Church in Poland
  • Unitarian Church of South Africa
  • Unitarian Church of Transylvania
  • Sociedad Unitaria Universalista de España (Spain)
  • Unitarian Universalist Association (USA)

And from the following emerging or perspective groups:

  • Assemblée des chrétiens unitariens du Burundi (Burundi)
  • Libre Congregación Unitaria de México(Mexico)
  • Unitarian Umbrella Organization of Norway
  • UUs of Austria
  • UUs of Bolivia
  • UUs of Hong Kong

During the business meetings a new Executive Committee was elected with the following members: Rev. Brian Kiely, President (Canada), Pauline Rooney, Vice-President (Australia), David Shaw, Treasurer (UK), Rev. David Gyero, Secretary (Transylvania), Rev. Nihal Attanayake (Philippines), Rev. Celia Midgely (UK), Olufemi Matimoju (Nigeria). A strategic plan was also adopted by the Council members, as well as a budget for the 2010 and 2011 calendar years.

The ICUU’s new staffing model was also introduced, which includes a 1/2 time General Secretary position, to which Rev. Steve Dick has been hired to fill. And a part-time Program Coordinator position, which is being filled by Rev. Jill MacAllister.

Additionally, the Council passed three resolutions. The first two addressed a recently passed law in Slovakia which criminalizes and fines the use of minority languages. The largest minority group in Slovakia is ethnic Hungarians, and while there aren’t any Hungarian Unitarian churches in Slovakia, the Transylvanian Unitarian Church has joined with other Hungarian churches to protest this law.

The third resolution requests that the ICUU asks the City of Torda (Transylvnia) to immediately begin exhibit an historic painting by Aladar Korosfoi Kriesch of the “Diet of Torda” which has been unavailable to the public for more than ten years.

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